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Saturday 9 June 2012

London 2012: London bus drivers vote to strike over bonuses - BBC News

London 2012: London bus drivers vote to strike over bonuses - BBC News

Bus workers in London have voted to take strike action in a row over their workload during the Olympics.

Nearly 40% of Unite members working for 21 bus companies voted 94% in favour of strike action. No dates have been set.

The union, which is asking for a £500 bonus, says bus workers are the only London transport staff not in line to receive an Olympics bonus payment.

Transport for London (TfL) said bus workers were employed by private firms who set their pay.

Dates for strike action could be announced early next week.

Unite says it expects 800,000 extra passengers to travel on buses during the Games.

It said workers on London Underground, London Overground, Docklands Light Railways, Network Rail and Virgin would all receive between £500 to £900 in extra payments.

In May, a survey of 2,955 London bus and rail passengers commissioned by the union found that 88% were in favour of Olympic bonus pay.

'Completely reprehensible'

Peter Kavanagh, Unite regional secretary for London, said: "It's a disgrace that London's mayor, Boris Johnson, and the bus companies have allowed this dispute to get this far.

"Our members are only asking for an extra £17 a day which will just about buy you a pint of beer and a portion of fish and chips at the Olympics.

"Our members want the Games to be a success but their patience has run out."

Leon Daniels, TfL's managing director of surface transport, said: "I am not surprised that 70% of London's bus drivers did not vote for strike action.

"That is because about 70% of London's local bus services are not affected by the Olympic Games.

"The whole country is really entering into the spirit of the Games and the overwhelming responsible majority are pulling out all the stops to make it a huge success.

"Only Unite appears to want to exploit it by adding a further multimillion-pound burden to the hard-pressed fare-payers and taxpayers of London."

Mr Daniels added that Unite had already negotiated binding deals for pay and conditions with each of the bus companies for this year.

"Attempting to tear up those agreements and get a new one with less than 50 days to go before the Games is completely reprehensible and out of step with every other provider of services in this city this summer."

Are you a bus driver in London? What do you think of strike action? Send us your comments using the form below.


Source: www.bbc.co.uk

Northants v Essex: Bopara hits second century in a week - BBC News

Ravi Bopara scored his second century in a week as Essex and Northants played out a draw in the County Championship.

Bopara, who hit 120 in Essex's CB40 victory over Gloucestershire on Monday, made 174 and shared a fifth-wicket stand of 294 with James Foster (135).

Essex declared on 400-6 as David Willey took 3-74 for the hosts.

James Middlebrook (100) then became the game's third centurion as the captains shook hands on a draw the moment Northants reached 200-3 in reply.

Earlier, Bopara and Foster's partnership surpassed the previous record fifth-wicket stand for Essex against Northants of 147, made between Mark Pettini and Matt Walker in this fixture last season.

Northants take six points from the game and are fourth in the Division Two table, while Essex gained nine points and lie seventh.


Source: www.bbc.co.uk

Concierge firms boom as the rich flee to London - The Guardian

London is facing an unprecedented surge in the number of companies offering concierge and other special services to the very wealthy, as new groups of rich emigrés relocate to the UK to escape instability abroad.

Russians have been joined by Indians and continental Europeans among the overseas buyers that have purchased 60% of the prime property available in central London in the past few years, according to estate agents. The growth in foreign purchases appears to be matched by the growth in companies that are willing to do anything for their clients – any time, any place, anywhere.

Alistair Gill, the manager of Mayfair Concierge, which started business last month, said companies such as his were there to open doors, simplify procedures and obtain the unobtainable for those who could afford it. "While times are tough, there are still a lot of people who enjoy a high quality of life – who are cash-rich and time-poor. It's a growth market," he said.

Clients typically pay a retainer of around £5,000 a month, for which they expect 24-hour service but still must meet all other costs. Neither the price of the services nor the economic climate has had much effect on demand. Andreas Ash, marketing director of Greek Concierge Group, which has been in business for three years, said his company was working at capacity with a waiting list of 350 people. "We won't be able to accept most of them. It's all about service, and if we take too many members we'll degrade our service," he said.

Russian, Indian and French buyers have accounted for almost one third of recent central London house purchases, but there has also been an increase in Greek and Italian arrivals, a spokeswoman for estate agent Knight Frank said. The French are escaping a tax regime in which the wealthy are likely to be required to pay more under the new presidency of François Hollande; the Russians are investing in an insurance policy against possible persecution from an authoritarian leader, Vladimir Putin; and other Europeans are moving their money out of the unstable eurozone.

What they share is a desire for certain aspects of British life – private education, hunting and fishing – as well as everything they might expect from a playboy's paradise, such as reservations at restaurants and nightclubs, and sometimes even drugs and prostitutes. But going to the right shoot, ensuring your child jumps the school waiting list or getting a seat at a restaurant that is fully booked for the next year require skills and contacts beyond most of us.

Gill describes the typical concierge as someone who has worked in five or six-star hotels, "someone who loves people and is well balanced, understands what people want and is unshockable".

People in the industry are happy to talk about extravagant requests but less comfortable talking about personal services such as prostitution and drugs, which they are often asked to accommodate. According to Ash: "We have been asked for some things like escorts. We always do our best, but if it's not a healthy business situation we have to say that is as far as we go."

Even some of the legal requests are as demanding as they are unusual. One company recounts how it was requested to organise a two-hour shopping spree with an unlimited budget for a client and her two friends in the style of the film Pretty Woman. "With no prior warning, and without being allowed to explain the challenge, we had to get the co-operation of managers and numerous assistants at more than a dozen stores, including Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, Hermès, Chanel and Yves St Laurent. Two hours later, what had started as a stroll for four friends had become a convoy of cars and vans carrying £250,000 of shoes, clothes and accessories," the website recounts.

The same site describes how the company received a call from a client at 10.40pm, saying he wanted to get engaged at breakfast the next morning. "We sourced $20m of diamond jewellery overnight in time for him to propose when his girlfriend awoke," according to the site. On many occasions, the company has been commissioned to make clients' wives burst into tears of happiness.

Some of the companies employ linguists to ensure London feels just like home. Ten Lifestyle Concierge has teams of Russian and Chinese speakers to deal with the growing number of clients.

Bryn Dyer, a director of Ten, said: "Typically our London-based Russian members will use us to get set up here. They also ask us for tutoring services, help getting their children into private schools, finding exclusive retail items, booking high-end restaurants and finding theatre tickets. Our London-based Chinese members are similar in tastes, but tend to be younger students. They tend to use us to book high-end restaurants, hotels and taxis."

All the companies say they expect their business to expand over the coming years and many are opening branches all over the world and recruiting staff. Bryn Dyer said: "The demand for our services is most definitely increasing. Not just in London but globally, as the wealthy elite are increasingly mobile."


Source: www.guardian.co.uk

Not another one! Brownlees in new London selection row - Daily Mail

By Derek Hunter

|


Britain's Olympic build-up was rocked on Saturday by its second selection row in a week.

Two ‘pacemaker’ athletes have been picked for the six-strong triathlon team at the London Games to help the Brownlee brothers, Alistair and Jonny, to an anticipated gold and silver double.

The uproar over the selection of Stuart Hayes and Lucy Hall ahead of better and more experienced athletes follows the furore over taekwondo’s Aaron Cook, who has been overlooked for the British team despite being world No 1.

Controversy: The squad selection has caused a new row

Controversy: The squad selection has caused a new row

Four seasoned triathletes will appear for Team GB at London — world champion Alistair Brownlee, 24, and his world No 2 brother Jonny, 22, in the men’s race, and world champion Helen Jenkins and Vicky Holland in the women’s event.

But Hayes and Hall will fulfil the duties of pacemakers at the expense of better  all-round triathletes Will Clarke, Tim Don, Liz Blatchford and Jodie Stimpson, who were all overlooked. The squad will operate on ‘team orders’ to help the Brownlees and Jenkins get medals.

‘It’s hard because two of those people have basically walked on to an Olympic team,’ said Clarke, 27, who is ranked No 12 in the world. Don, son of former Premier League referee Philip Don, is No 13 while Hayes is ranked No 46.

Clarke added: ‘There’s not any other sport like that, where someone qualifies so easily considering what others like us have been through. We’ve been racing at the top level around the world for years, gaining ranking points, and they’ve walked on to the Olympic team. But I’m still good friends with Stuey and wish him all the best.’

Brothers: Alistair Brownlee (left) and Jonathan Brownlee (right)

Brothers: Alistair Brownlee (left) and Jonathan Brownlee (right)

A report that triathletes, unhappy with the selection policy, had ‘heated words’ with selectors was vindicated when Clarke’s wife, Clare, pointed her followers on Twitter to it and said it was a ‘great summary’ of what had happened during the selection process.

Clarke, who received numerous messages of support at his surprise omission, tweeted: ‘Finally the Team GB Triathlon team has been announced. Gutted to not be part of it but good luck to the guys and bring back some medals.’

The Brownlee brothers finished together in first place at the Blenheim triathlon as Alistair made his comeback from injury. On form, they would be expected to win gold and silver in London, while Jenkins is favourite in the women’s event.

Not selected: Aaron Cook's omission caused a stir

Not selected: Aaron Cook's omission caused a stir

British Triathlon want to maximise their chances, however, hence the inclusion of Hall and Hayes, who are quick swimmers and cyclists and can pace their team-mates before fading.

Hall said: ‘They made it clear that, if I was going to take this place on the team, I would be going as someone to help [Jenkins]. Everyone can’t be happy with the decision. People are always going to be upset. That’s how it is, that’s sport.

‘It’s horrible to think some people don’t get to fulfil their Olympic dreams. I hope they understand why I’m taking this opportunity. It’s a home Olympics. I can’t turn it down.’



Source: www.dailymail.co.uk

London 2012: bus workers threaten Olympics strike - Daily Telegraph

At least 800,000 extra passengers are predicted to use London's buses during the Olympics, said Unite.

Peter Kavanagh, regional officer for the union, said: "There are only seven weeks until the Olympics and the whole world is watching London.

"It's a disgrace that London's mayor, Boris Johnson, and the bus companies have allowed this dispute to get this far.

"Our members are only asking for an extra £17 a day which will just about buy you a pint of beer and a portion of fish and chips at the Olympics.

"Our members want the Games to be a success but their patience has run out.

"We have given Transport for London and the bus operators almost a year to resolve this issue.

"Every single London transport worker in London will receive a reward to recognise their major contribution to this historic occasion except for London's bus workers.

"It is time for TfL and the bus companies to consider this landslide vote in favour of strike action and resolve this dispute.

"This dispute could be brought to an end now if the bus companies and TfL have the will to provide the relatively small amount of money compared to the billions being spent on the Games."

Transport for London (TfL) said the union was demanding a £500 "bonus" for each of the 24,000 bus drivers in London for working during the London 2012 Games.

TfL maintains bus drivers are employed by private companies and that their pay and conditions are a matter for those private companies.

Leon Daniels, TfL's managing director of surface transport, said: "I am not surprised that 70% of London's bus drivers did not vote for strike action.

"That is because about 70% of London's local bus services are not affected by the Olympic Games.

"The whole country is really entering into the spirit of the Games and the overwhelming responsible majority are pulling out all the stops to make it a huge success.

"Only Unite appears to want to exploit it by adding a further multi-million pound burden to the hard-pressed farepayers and taxpayers of London.

"We are really disappointed that the Unite leadership is encouraging its members to take this unnecessary strike action.

"Unite has already negotiated binding deals for pay and conditions with each of the London bus companies for this year and those companies are keeping their end of the deal.

"Attempting to tear up those agreements and get a new one with less than 50 days to go before the Games is completely reprehensible and out-of-step with every other provider of services in this city this summer."


Source: www.telegraph.co.uk

London 28 Widnes 24 - The Sun

Kaufusi rumbled over as the hooter sounded at the Stoop and Powell said: “That is the type of win that galvanises you as a group — and I really hope this builds the chemistry of the squad.

“For us to get two late scores shows our resolve and it is great to have something positive rather than negative to focus on.”

Kaufusi bailed out a London side who looked on course for an eighth straight defeat after try doubles from Widnes’ Cameron Phelps and Frank Winterstein.

Phelps touched down after three minutes, with Winterstein levelling things up at the break after home scores from Aussie Craig Gower and Omari Caro.

The Widnes pair struck again after the interval, but London scores from Tony Clubb and Dan Sarginson kept it close before prop Kaufusi’s late show.

Denis Betts, who saw Broncos move above his Vikings in the table, said: “We have to be philosophical about it.

“We won a game in the last minute last week and lost one in the last minute here.

“It would have been great to push ourselves away from the foot of the table but it was not to be.”


Source: www.thesun.co.uk

Seb Coe Pledges Support for London CITIZENS 100 Days of Peace Project and CitySafe Campaign - Danbury News-Times

Seb Coe, Chair of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) has pledged his support for the 100 Days of Peace project, by becoming one of the first people to sign the Peace Pledge.

(PRWEB) June 09, 2012

Seb Coe, Chair of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) has pledged his support for the 100 Days of Peace project, by becoming one of the first people to sign the Peace Pledge.

  • Link to images of Seb Coe and London CITIZENS members meeting to mark the 100 Days of Peace project here

The launch rally for the 100 Days of Peace project will be held on Saturday 9 June at the Scoop by City Hall. Shadow Minister for the Olympics Tessa Jowell MP and Chair of the CitySafe Foundation, Deputy Mayor of London for Planning Edward Lister, Simon Hughes MP and Leader of Southwark Council Peter John will also attend the event.

There will be 18 other CitySafe rallies organised by London CITIZENS taking place across London on the same day in 18 other Boroughs.

The objective of 100 Days of Peace, which is a London 2012 Inspire Mark project, is to promote a safer and more tolerant society across the Games period and is specifically aimed at young people. It is strongly linked to London 2012’s work around the Olympic Truce and seeks peace in London for 50 days ahead of the Games and for 50 days afterwards. At the end of this period, on October 28th, London CITIZENS will publish a new map of London with CitySafe Zones marked on it.

An integral part of the 100 Days of Peace project is the CitySafe Campaign where young people and adults will work on a number of initiatives. These include encouraging local businesses and organisations to offer their premises as CitySafe Havens, pledging to report 100% of crime and organising events that facilitate dialogue between police and young people, led by CitySafe Champions.

The aim is to build stronger communities, neighbourhood organisations and relationship with the police to strengthen CitySafe Zones.

The CitySafe Campaign is led by London CITIZENS member communities which include Families United and The Jimmy Mizen Foundation.

Both 100 Days of Peace and the CitySafe Campaign are coordinated by London Citizens, the UK’s largest independent civic alliance with over 250 schools, churches, mosques, trade unions, charities and local associations. One of the four sub-regional groups of London Citizens is the East London Communities Organisations (TELCO) which has been working with London 2012 from the start of the bid process.

TELCO has worked with LOCOG on a number of issues, including getting all London 2012 contractors to agree to pay the London Living Wage where applicable and appropriate, ensuring job opportunities were promoted to citizens in east London, and putting forward candidates for recruitment events.

Seb Coe, Chair of LOCOG said: “The 100 Days of Peace project is a great initiative and I would encourage all members of the public and businesses to back this. It absolutely fits in with the vision we set out in Singapore to inspire young people and provide them with new opportunities in life. The first meeting I had once I was appointed Chair of the Bid Committee was with London Citizens and over the years we have been driven, guided and steered by them on a number of key issues for residents in London. I would like to thank London Citizens for their leadership and very practical way in which they are helping deliver our vision at a Borough level. This is something we will always want to support.”

Paul O’Shea, Chair of London Citizens Trustees said: “We are delighted that the working relationship we forged with Lord Coe and the Bid Committee in 2004 has been so constructive throughout and adds massively to the legacy that the Games will leave behind for Londoners – particularly East and South Londoners. LOCOG has delivered on all of the commitments made to London CITIZENS and signed off in a ceremony in City Hall in November 2004 – Living Wage Jobs throughout the Estate; Construction Training for local people; money for schools and health care in Stratford and jobs for local people. We look to the Legacy Company to ensure that the land available for housing on the site includes Community Land Trusts which will ensure affordable homes for local families in perpetuity.

“We wish to thank Lord Coe and his team for their steadfastness, leadership and for honouring the commitments made eight years ago. Lord Coe’s support for our CitySafe Campaign is a bonus and fits exactly with the Olympic tradition of a legacy of peace and more integrated communities.”

Paul Amuzie, a former student from St Bonaventure’s School in Newham and other young people from Forest Gate came up with the name and concept of CitySafe in 2008. Paul attended a meeting with Seb Coe earlier this week and said: “I am very proud that Lord Coe that the 100 Days of Peace and the Inspire Mark will help us take the CitySafe campaign to over 20 London Boroughs and make those communities safer and better organised. There are now over 300 CitySafe Havens, including City Hall and the Mayor has agreed to be the CitySafe Campaign Ambassador. This not only makes our streets safer, it reduces the fear of crime in our neighbourhoods by bringing traders and neighbours together with the police to ensure folks can go about their business in peace.”

Notes to editors:
For further information please contact the London 2012 Press Office.

Find out the latest from London 2012 on http://www.london2012.com, follow us on Twitter http://www.twitter.com/london2012 or download the Offical London 2012 Join In app.

The Official London 2012 Join In app is a free mobile guide to help you plan, enjoy and share your Games experience. From the Olympic Torch Relay to the Olympics and Paralympics, the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, plus all the cultural, city and community celebrations happening across the UK, the Official London 2012 Join In App is your essential companion. It is available now at app stores and at http://www.london2012.com/mobileapps/

About CitySafe Zones
A CitySafe Zone is a street or neighbourhood with CitySafe Havens and a London CITIZENS member community that has agreed to organise the communities for peace, work closely with the police and ensure the traders and neighbours all know each other and meet regularly to ensure the ‘Zone’ offers protection and security and positive relationships for the future.
London 2012 Games partners:

The Worldwide Olympic Partners who support the London 2012 Olympic Games and the National Olympic Committees around the world are Coca-Cola, Acer, Atos, Dow, GE, McDonald’s, Omega, Panasonic, Procter and Gamble, Samsung and Visa.

LOCOG has seven domestic Tier One Partners - adidas, BMW, BP, British Airways, BT, EDF and Lloyds TSB. There are seven domestic Tier Two Supporters – Adecco, ArcelorMittal, Cadbury, Cisco, Deloitte, Thomas Cook and UPS. There are now twenty-eight domestic Tier Three Suppliers and Providers – Aggreko, Airwave, Atkins, Boston Consulting Group, CBS Outdoor, Crystal CG, Eurostar, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP, G4S, GSK, Gymnova, Heathrow Airport, Heineken UK, Holiday Inn, John Lewis, McCann Worldgroup, Mondo, NATURE VALLEY, Next, Nielsen, Populous, Rapiscan Systems, Rio Tinto, Technogym, Thames Water, Ticketmaster, Trebor and Westfield.

There is one domestic Tier One Paralympic Games-only Partner, Sainsbury’s and two domestic Tier Three Paralympic Games-only Suppliers, Otto Bock and Panasonic. The London 2012 Paralympic Games also acknowledges the support of the National Lottery.

For the original version on PRWeb visit: http://www.prweb.com/releases/prweb2012/6/prweb9588721.htm


Source: www.newstimes.com

Middlebrook hits another ton as Northants draw with Essex - Northampton Chronicle

MAKESHIFT opener James Middlebrook scored another century for Northants, but it was Ravi Bopara that gave the England selectors another huge nudge with his second century of the week as Essex drew their rain-affected LV= County Championship match at Wantage Road on Saturday.

After most of the first three days had been scuppered by the wet weather, there was to be no contrived run-chase, with the teams instead opting to play for the bonus points on offer.

Essex declared on 400 for six to claim maximum batting points, with Bopara scoring a magnificent 174 off 290 balls and his captain and wicketkeeper James Foster making 135 off 230 deliveries.

Northants then closed on 200 for three as Middlebrook clobbered a century against his old club with 100 off 141 balls.

Essex began the day on 195 for four with Bopara resuming on 87 and Foster on 60, and the former was to complete the 22nd century of his first-class career in the 14th over of the day.

It was also his second of the County Championship season and came off 199 balls as he hammered a four through the covers off Lee Daggett.

He and Foster had already surpassed the previous record fifth-wicket stand for Essex against Northants of 147, made between Mark Pettini and Matt Walker in this fixture last season.

Foster went on to complete the 18th first-class ton of his career off 203 deliveries as the visitors moved on serenely to 282 for four at lunch.

Bopara reached 150 off 268 balls in the fifth over of the afternoon - an over in which he smashed 21 off Middlebrook

Foster, however, holed out when he launched David Willey to substitute fielder Rob Keogh at long on to finally break a magnificent partnership of 294.

Bopara’s sensational innings then finally came to an end when he was caught by Coetzer at deep square leg to give Daggett his first wicket.

The Essex declaration came as soon as they reached 400, leaving Ryan ten Doeschate and Graham Napier unbeaten on 26 and 14 respectively.

Northants lost Ben Howgego in the 11th over of their innings when his off stump was taken out by Napier after making a just a single off the 27 balls he faced.

The hosts resumed after tea on 43 for one and Middlebrook completed his half-century off 74 deliveries with a huge six smashed down the ground off Tom Westley.

Coetzer made a bright 39 before he was dismissed by Napier’s yorker before Middlebrook completed his second hundred in consecutive home games off 138 balls.

But he was then bowled by Tom Craddock without adding to his total before an Alex Wakely (43 not out) single that moved Northants to 200 brought about the close.



Source: www.northamptonchron.co.uk

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